Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this easy homemade pizza recipe featuring classic toppings like fresh arugula, fresh mozzarella, and savory prosciutto. Combining crisp textures and authentic tastes, this version brings a slice of Italy to your kitchen.
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Making homemade pizza is satisfying and flexible: you control the crust, sauce and toppings so every bite is fresh. From a golden, crisp crust to bright finishing greens, this recipe is simple and reliably delicious.
Perfect for a quick dinner with family or friends, this homemade pizza comes together easily and makes a great centerpiece for any gathering. Follow the steps below for a classic Italian-style pie that’s perfect for any occasion.
What You’ll Need to Make this Homemade Pizza!
Pizza Dough:
- All Purpose Flour
- Instant Yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Olive Oil
- Warm Water
Toppings:
- Tomato Sauce
- Ketchup
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Fresh Mozzarella
- Prosciutto
- Fresh Arugula
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Olive Oil
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Oregano Seasoning
- Sweet Balsamic Glaze (optional)
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Instructions
Follow instructions to make the dough.
Add tomato sauce, cheese & prosciutto.
Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles.
Finish with fresh toppings and a drizzle if desired.
Preparing your Pizza Dough:
1. In a large bowl combine the dry ingredients: 1 cup flour, instant yeast, sugar and salt.
2. Add olive oil and warm water, stirring until combined.
3. Gradually mix in another 1 cup of flour, adding up to 1/3 cup more if needed, until the dough forms a cohesive ball that pulls away from the bowl.
4. Lightly oil a separate large bowl with olive oil.
5. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in the oiled bowl, turn to coat, cover tightly and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled.
6. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
7. Once risen, gently deflate the dough and transfer to a floured surface. Knead briefly until smooth.
8. Shape the dough by hand or with a rolling pin into a 12–15 inch circle on a floured pizza pan. Pinch the edges to form a crust.
Topping your Pizza:
1. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
2. Drizzle a little olive oil over the sauce for extra richness.
3. Season lightly with kosher salt and oregano.
4. Generously grate mozzarella over the surface, leaving a small border for the crust.
5. Add a grind of fresh black pepper.
6. Arrange prosciutto slices over the cheese.
7. Bake at 450°F for 15–20 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
8. Remove from the oven and top with fresh arugula, thick slices of fresh mozzarella and halved cherry tomatoes.
9. Optionally drizzle a sweet balsamic glaze for a tangy-sweet finish.
10. Slice and serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures and fresh flavors.
Substitutions for this Homemade Pizza
Pizza Dough: Store-bought pizza dough works well.
Toppings:
Tomato Sauce: Use marinara, pizza sauce or seasoned crushed tomatoes.
Mozzarella Cheese: Swap for Monterey Jack, cheddar or any preferred melting cheese.
Fresh Mozzarella: Burrata, stracciatella or ricotta can be used, though textures differ.
Prosciutto: Try pancetta, Canadian bacon or cooked sausage.
Fresh Arugula: Use basil or baby spinach.
Cherry Tomatoes: Swap for grape or diced plum tomatoes.
Olive Oil: Substitute avocado, canola or grapeseed oil.
Kosher Salt: Sea salt is a suitable alternative.
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Pizza Pan
- Rolling Pin
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Pizza Cutter
- Cheese Grater
Storage
Storing Instructions:
Allow the pizza to cool completely after baking.
- Wrap slices or place them in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
- Refrigerate for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag or container for 1–2 months.
Reheating Instructions:
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place slices on a baking sheet and heat 10–15 minutes until warmed through and cheese melts.
Skillet Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Cover the slice in the skillet and heat 3–5 minutes until the crust is crisp and cheese melted.
Microwave Method:
- Place one slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat 30–60 seconds, depending on microwave power.
3 Top Tips for Success!
1. Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, well-flavored components—good mozzarella, a bright sauce and quality olive oil—make a big difference.
2. Preheat your oven and use a stone or steel: Preheating to a high temperature (500–550°F if possible) for at least 30 minutes helps produce a crisp crust. A pizza stone or steel improves heat distribution and mimics a professional oven.
3. Pay attention to the dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, let dough rest and rise properly. Stretch or roll it evenly, and brush the edges with olive oil for a golden finish.
FAQ’s
The key is high-quality ingredients and a very hot oven or preheated pizza stone/steel to get a crisp crust and well-melted cheese.
The pizza is done when the crust is golden and crisp, the cheese is melted and bubbling, and toppings are cooked through—usually 15–20 minutes at high temperature.
Homemade pizza lets you customize toppings, control ingredient quality, and enjoy the process of crafting a fresh, flavorful meal with friends or family.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Easy Spicy Carbonara Ramen (10-Minute Recipe)
- The Best Street Corn Pasta Salad with Chicken
- Creamy White Bolognese Sauce Recipe (with Rigatoni)
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Ramen (Easy 20-Minute Recipe)
Pairing
These desserts pair well with this Homemade Pizza Recipe:
- Fudgy Reese’s Cup Brownies (The Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies)
- Salted Brown Butter Maple Syrup
- No-Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
- How to Make the Viral Dot Cakes (Dessert Recipe)
Easy Italian Style Homemade Pizza Recipe
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-2 ⅓ cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 packet Instant Yeast 2 ¼ teaspoon
- 1 ½ teaspoon Sugar
- ¾ teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- ¾ cup Warm Water
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce
- ½ cup Ketchup
- 500 g Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 ball Fresh Mozzarella
- 200 g Prosciutto
- 1 Handful Fresh Arugula
- 100 g Cherry Tomatoes
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Oregano Seasoning
- Sweet Balsamic Glaze optional
Equipment
-
Large Bowl
-
Pizza Pan
-
Rolling Pin
-
Spatula
-
Measuring Cups
-
Measuring Spoons
-
Cutting Board
-
Knife
-
Pizza Cutter
-
Cheese Grater
Method
- Start by combining 1 cup flour, instant yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
- Add olive oil and warm water, stirring until combined.
- Gradually mix in another 1 cup flour, adding up to 1/3 cup more until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
- Oil a separate large bowl and coat the sides.
- Shape dough into a ball, place in the oiled bowl, cover and let rise 30 minutes or until doubled.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Deflate the dough, knead briefly on a floured surface until smooth.
- Shape into a 12–15 inch circle and form a crust along the edge.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
- Drizzle olive oil over the sauce.
- Season with kosher salt and oregano.
- Generously grate mozzarella over the pizza.
- Add fresh black pepper.
- Arrange prosciutto slices over the cheese.
- Bake at 450°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Top with arugula, fresh mozzarella slices and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Optionally drizzle sweet balsamic glaze.
- Slice and serve immediately.
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Food safety
- Do not leave food at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a suitable smoke point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Ensure good ventilation when using gas stoves.
Follow local food-safety guidance for additional details.